The 116-year-old King’s Theatre Edinburgh closed its doors at the end of August this year to prepare for an urgent redevelopment. Affectionately known as ‘the people’s theatre’ for its warm and welcoming nature and its popular programme, the venue was no longer fit for purpose either for performance companies or audiences.

We are beyond thrilled to announce that we have raised sufficient additional funding to proceed with the project which will preserve and protect the King’s and ensure it is part of our community for the next 100 years. 

Thanks to the amazing support of so many wonderful people who love the King’s, as well as significant grants and donations from the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, trusts and foundations and companies, we have raised over 95% of the costs of the project. We will continue to fundraise for the remaining shortfall of £1.7m throughout the life of the project.

Edinburgh is an internationally renowned city of culture, blessed with historic buildings in which to enjoy a wide array of art and entertainment. For us to retain and preserve this heritage, we need to invest in our buildings to make them welcoming and accessible venues for everyone.  

From its opening night in 1906, the King’s has been a city institution and an architectural gem. For generations people have flocked to and adored the King’s. Hundreds of local children perform on stage as part of the Gang Show each year; every Christmas families enjoy the magical experience of walking through the elaborately carved wooden doors to see the panto with their nearest and dearest; unmissable, world-class performances are programmed in our impressive ornate auditorium during the International Festival each year. 

Through this redevelopment, we have the opportunity to make the King's Theatre add even more sparkle to Edinburgh and an even greater asset to the city's cultural life, by opening up the building to a much-wider audience, and turning the building into a vibrant, accessible arts venue where there’s lots going on, during the day and on into the evening.  The King’s has the potential to be an even greater asset to the city’s cultural life.  

Thanks to the generous support of so many people who love the King’s, as well as grants and donations from the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, trusts and foundations and companies, we have raised over 95% of the costs of the project. 

“The King’s Theatre is a gem which deserves to be preserved. If we don’t invest in our theatres we stand to lose a vital part of Scotland’s cultural heritage and a theatre for everyone for generations to come” Brian Cox, Honorary Patron

‘Good luck and a huge well done to all involved in running the marathon for such a good cause. With such demands on people and their time it’s wonderful to see the dedication and care that so many have put into the entire project of refurbishing the beautiful Kings Theatre in Edinburgh. It’s a favourite theatre of mine and work is long overdue to keep this Palace of entertainment alive and relevant for the 21st century. We are all aware of the light and joy that theatre brings in our lives  - witnessed from the audience reactions to theatres reopening after the Pandemic.

It’s a marathon getting these projects up and running and completed so today is a great reminder of all the work that’s been going on and will be for some time.'

Elaine C Smith, King's Ambassador, speaking in support of our marathon runners

'The King’s Theatre is central to entertainment history in Edinburgh and continues to host great shows and performers from around the globe. I’m keen to see it refurbished to the highest standard so it can continue to dazzle audiences for decades to come.' 

Ian Rankin, King's Ambassador

The King’s Theatre Edinburgh opened on the 8 December 1906. Standing proudly on the corner of Leven Street and Tarvit Street, the King’s is one of Scotland’s oldest theatres and the only surviving operational Edwardian theatre by the architects Swanston and Davidson. 

Retaining and preserving the King's Theatre's rich heritage is paramount to the project.

We would like to thank all our pledgers and reward donors who have supported our campaign as well as our King's Amabassadors.